We can't replace "who" with "that" when we speak about details we can neglect. In that part of a sentence, we should use "who". This part is called a non-defining relative clause. It's separated by commas:
It was Sheila, who was planting flowers.
We use "that" in a defining relative clause; it is not separated by commas. We use defining RC when we mention important details. For instance:
Sheila has a beautiful garden that she waters every weekend. It's easy to remember: if there are no commas, we can use "that". If there are, there's no more place for "that", we can't use it anymore.
This topic is called Relative Clauses. This topic is rather essential, so I'd recommend thoroughly studying it :)
Go to Questions & Answers
Ангела 🌙added a note hace 3 años
note (en-en)
When "who" can't be replaced by "that"?
For example, it is Sheila who/that is planting flowers.
But in one case who can't be replaced. When?
1
Discussion (8)
Electric Rainadded a comment hace 3 años
⁌ ULY ⁍added a comment hace 3 años
Incorrect! It was Sheila who was planting flowers. [no comma]
⁌ ULY ⁍added a comment hace 3 años
Correct: The detective spoke to Sheila, who was planting flowers at the time. [comma]
⁌ ULY ⁍added a comment hace 3 años
Angela, there's nobody on this site to help you with English. Don't learn English from Russians or any other non-native nationality. There are too many native English speakers in the world to waste your time here.
Ангела 🌙added a comment hace 3 años
Uly, can you advise any native speaker to practice with ? I can help with Russian in my turn
⁌ ULY ⁍added a comment hace 3 años
Do you have Telegram?
Ангела 🌙added a comment hace 3 años
Yes. I do. Why?
Ангела 🌙added a comment hace 3 años
K. I sent u a message